Iverson: David Stern asked me to change controversial lyrics by rapping them

Allen Iverson's foray into rap in 2000 proved to be a controversial one.

The Philadelphia 76ers legend recorded a single titled "40 Bars" in the offseason prior to his fifth NBA campaign but had to change its lyrics at the urging of then-commissioner David Stern.

On the latest episode of LOL Network's "Cold As Balls" with Kevin Hart, Iverson said the song put a strain on his relationship with Stern.

"It wasn't a great relationship when I did that terrible rap album," the 11-time All-Star said. "When I did that bullshit, that's when I had a problem with David Stern. And then I remember going into the office, and he was reading my lyrics, Kev.

"Like David Stern was actually reading '40 Bars' off a piece of paper. ... I was trying not to laugh because I knew how serious it was. And the shit that I was saying, obviously, you know. So to hear David Stern rapping it, it was crazy."

Iverson released "40 Bars" under the moniker "Jewelz." The song received criticism for its offensive lyrics and homophobic slurs. It was meant to be included on his debut album, "Non Fiction," but the project was never released.